Adventure Post: Running a Marathon Part 2

Running a Marathon: Part 2

Part 2 of Running a Marathon consists of flexibility, and my personal training experience. Both sections share just a few of the areas that I learned in my training process that I can describe. While there is much more that I could include, I have limited these sections for readability! Hopefully you will find it enjoyable or maybe even helpful...!

CLICK HERE FOR PART2

Adventure Post: Running a Marathon

Running a Marathon: Part 1

Since training for and completing a marathon, I have heard all of the comments that you or your friends are probably saying right now, so let’s get them out of the way:

“Why would you do that?”

“That sounds awful.”

“Couldn’t you get to your destination faster if you drive.”

“You have fun with that; I’ll be at the bar.”

“I don’t like running.”

“Doesn’t it hurt after a while?”

“I like to run, but I get bored.”

“You have to pay to run?”

“What do you get for doing it?”

“How long is a marathon? I’v done a 5k before.”

“My thighs scrape against each other when I run.”

And my favorite,

…“I don’t think that I could do the swimming portion.”

I could spend a large portion of this discussion telling you all of the reasons why you should train for a marathon, why it adds value to your life and your mind, and how it changes you in the process, blah, blah, blah… Honestly, you don’t care that much, and it would be a waste of time for me to try and convince anyone. Either you choose to do it for your own reasons, or you choose not to. What I will provide, is a step by step process of how I trained for my first marathon, my suggestions based on my research (and the research of others), and my personal experiences throughout. Whether you’re considering running a marathon, a half-marathon, or even if you know you will never want to try, I would recommend enjoying my written experience for the value of entertainment at the least!

I’ll be providing a 3 part series that includes all of this and more, so I hope that it you will benefit from my experience and enjoy the upcoming posts!

1. Getting started
1. What you need
2. Setting your goals
3. What you need to know

2. Training
1. Flexibility
2. My experience

3. Game day
1. Prep
2. The race
3. The after-effects

CLICK HERE FOR PART 1

Down to Macon

While not many people set out to go visit Macon Georgia, the majority of Georgians that I have talked to have  at least been through Macon at some point in their lives. The next time you’re headed through, don’t miss the opportunity to visit  Macon Beer Company. Despite the fact that they are in Macon, they have some really top-notch brews! When I first pulled up, I struggled to find the front door. While normally I would hide this embarrassing moment, it was due to the fact that they did not have a sign indicating where to enter. Despite this momentary lapse, I headed into the large red brick building and was immediately greeted by the friendly staff member who introduced herself as the brewer’s mother. After a little conversation, we got our glasses and  moved over to the bar area and took our seats. This large facility is lined with wood floors and rafters, and very old red brick walls; the building fit the “Macon culture” perfectly, and it didn’t stop there. Reading the beer list, you’ll undoubtedly groan or chuckle depending on your sense of humor. Every beer is somehow associated with the word Macon (which also translates to the southern twang which sounds like ‘mak’en’ or ‘making’). Some of these include Macon Progress, Macon Out, or Macon Love!

Somehow more interesting than the the facility or the beer names, is the beer itself. The brewer/owner/chemical engineer has figured out something special in these brews, as they are all above the bar set by newer breweries! Macon Out, is at the top of my list; While described as a Blonde Rye Ale, it actually has a very Belgian-like character that i have not before tasted in the US. This same base beer also has alternative versions that add cherries among other things. Good facility, good conversation, good beer… With my visit, they have certainly made a big fan. While they don’t currently bottle, they did mention their plans to incorporate a canning line in the near future. I am excited to see where this brewery will go in the next few years, and more than that, am excited to have more of their delicious brews.

My Rating:

Date	Facility Rating	Location Rating	Beer Rating	Beer Notes
5/2017	7.5	7 (While it is in Macon, it’s also within walking distance to good food and the town)	6	It stands out from all of the other newer Georgia breweries

Best Beer: Macon Out - At 5% abv, this straw colored beverage is at the height of enjoyability due to the light clove-spiciness and thin malt body. This beer is described as a Blonde Rye Ale, but I would place it right between a Belgian Blonde Ale and a Belgian Pale Ale. The biscuity malts and light fruitiness add to the complex flavor profile which is rare in such a light and drinkable brew.

Additional Macon Brewpub Notes:

After visiting Macon Brewing Company, I headed to the 2 local brewpubs to look into their food and beverage offerings. They were both within walking distance, and I was happily pleased with both:

Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen

This brewery had a few very enjoyable beers. I got a flight of 4 and didn’t find one that I didn’t like. I did not get any food, but it smelled great so I’d like to visit when I return. Go for the Rising Sun IPA: a little darker and maltier than your standard IPA, but it was still crisp and hop forward with strong orange flavored hops.

Ocmulgee Brewpub

I walked over to Ocmulgee Brewpub and decided that it was time for food. After ordering a bison burger and fries (The”Tatanka”), and a flight of their own brews, I was content. The meal was awesome and I would get the same thing again if I return. The beers were also very enjoyable with the IPA hitting the spot. Muscogee Curse IPA is a 7% abv beer with lots of different citrus fruits and a balanced caramel malt backbone.

Jailhouse Brewing Company

Almost directly south of Atlanta about 40 miles, Jailhouse Brewing Company is located in the town of Hampton, GA. We’ve been seeing their bottles show up at the local package stores on a number of occasions over the last few years, and a tremendous growth in the kegs found at local bars around Georgia. This being the case, I was very surprised when I walked through the building for the first time, out to the beir garden area, and realized that there was no more to the building! A very small, old, brick building in the middle of downtown Hampton, this facility actually used to be the town’s jail, which adds mountains to the value of visiting the actual location. Going on the tour and seeing the old jail with all of the interesting facts and facets that have gone into the minimal changes of turning it into a brewery, help you to appreciate where the brewer and his beer’s complexity comes from.

While I can’t say that Hampton, Ga was on my ‘places to visit’ list, it was worth the short drive to taste the new brews that Jailhouse has to offer and to enjoy taking in a bit of history that they are proud to share. In the 8 beers that were offered, more than half were above average in my opinion. As the temp was pushing 90 that day, I was certainly partial to the lighter and more drinkable options than some of the darker beers for which they are often known. As with many rural southern breweries, there are complications associated with innovative minds headed in the direction of progress; Jailhouse spends much unwarranted time battling with the nearby Baptist church that fights to hinder any requests for expansion or investment into the community. The only way to break through this close-mindedness is to ignore the negativity, and keep supporting our valued local brewers!

My Rating:

Date	Facility Rating	Location Rating	Beer Rating	Beer Notes
5/2017	5	3	6	This small brewery focuses on making making good beer, not lots of beer

Best Beer: Saison Reprieve - I told you that it was hot, and that I was looking at the more drinkable options, well this is what I found. This French-style saison is very light and crisp while at the same time providing depth and taste. Very lightly tart, the flavors of light hopping and fruits provide most of the character behind the leveled pale malts that make this beer so balanced. Because you won’t be able to tell, make note that this still comes in at 6% abv!

Bull Island Adventure and the Mt. Pleasant Breweries

While I have visited the incredible town of Mt. Pleasant, SC on numerous occasions, I have not yet run through and searched for the beer potential that may lie within. When I was asked to help judge a homebrew contest in Charleston earlier in the year, it was enough to motivate me to take the opportunity and check out what craft beer had done to this charming southern town. I only visited for a few days, but was able to get the scoop on the 3 major players, and do some adventuring as well.

Bull Island Adventure (before the brews)

How I originally discovered this place, I may never know; But I have revisited on a couple of occasions because it is well worth a day. If you look it up on the Coastal Expeditions website, you’ll find a brief description of ferry rides that will take you to and from Bull Island, and is about 25mins north of Mt. Pleasant. Taking the ferry is the only way to get on or off of the island, so plan to make it, and be on time. After a short ferry to the island, you are on your own for the day, and you get to explore several different ecosystems within a short walk. The beauty of this island is indescribable, so you’ll have to see it for yourself. Within a 2 - 3 mile stroll, you will go from marshes and wetlands, to plains and grassland, to ancient moss covered oaks, to a graceful and unharmed beach. Travel a ways down the beach and you will reach the boneyard, which is not to be missed! The skeletons of hundreds of old oak trees are to be found and is a picturesque landscape for a relaxing barefoot walk. The best decision that we made on this expedition was to carry a couple of Gullah cream ale cans; sipping a light beer and watching crabs and clams moving from one section of the sands to another was heavenly.

If you’re not already convinced to take a trip to visit this hidden treasure, I haven’t even mentioned my favorite part: the wildlife! Dozens of species of birds and small mammals are to be found, along with alligators! Lots of them. Luckily, for the most part they will scatter when you approach, but you can see tons of them and they span from small to frighteningly enormous. Seeing these alligators is my favorite part of the trip, so after losing track of how many we counted, I was satisfied and ready to catch the ferry back. I would highly recommend looking into this visit to get away and enjoy being in many different types of nature all at once!

Ghost Monkey Brewing

Walking up in the industrial area near the waters of Mt. Pleasant, you'll smell an excellent bbq food truck and see the picnic tables sitting on the cement watching a game of beanbag toss taking place, and you'll know that you are at the place of which you seek: Ghost Monkey Brewing. Inside, you'll find a large bar space and several comfortable chairs and tables, which is nice to have, if you get there in time to grab a seat for yourself. As you take in the mixed culture of young and old beer seekers, you'll undoubtedly chuckle at the signs for the brewery which raise the question, "How terrifying would an actually ghost monkey be?" Very. In my opinion. That being said, no ghosts nor monkey has yet to discourage the large community that has popped up around this new business. If you order a flight as I often like to do as a first timer entering a new world of beer, you will probably have the same challenge that I did, which is to pick only 8 which fit into a flight. This brewery boasts an extremely large number of beers offered, with several different styles and experimentals.

While I can't say that I didn't enjoy myself at this visit, I quickly picked up on the fact that this nano-brewery is a lot more focused on producing new beer, than fine-tuning what they already have. I found many beers to be hazy when they probably shouldn't be, and a few other minor flaws (not that they are entering into a competition). They do have a few that are hitting close to the accuracy mark, and they will likely become known for those if they continue to build them up. I do have to give it to them, I think that they started up within a month of my visit, and I hope to return one day to see if they have continued to improve.

My Rating:

Date	Facility Rating	Location Rating	Beer Rating	Beer Notes
4/2017	5	4	4	Many options to try

Best Beer: JoJo (Nitro Coffee Stout) - While it was extremely hot and humid during my visit, this nitro coffee stout was a nice and cooling refresher that you don't usually get in a dark beer. Not overpoweringly coffee, and not too high alcohol, this beer had hints of vanilla and caramel that made it highly drinkable and thirst-quenching.

Westbrook Brewing

Chances are that you have heard of this one. This is the largest brewery in Mt. Pleasant and certainly expands to the Georgia lines through its canning and distributors. Upon your arrival, you will instantly notice that this place is big, and this place is new. It's almost strange how you don't often see those 2 combinations in the same place. A medium sized taproom is to be found inside, with a bar in the middle of the room. Very nice decor, and a giant chalk board on the wall shows you what beer they have available for purchase. This place certainly has the theme of high-quality in every aspect to which you look… maybe minus some of the beer. This may be a little too harsh, however the quality of the beer that I was able to try, did not match my expectations. Don't get me wrong, the beer was not terrible; but there was certainly not anything that stood out as exceptional. This being the case, I later set out in search of other local brewers to inquire if my opinion was in line with other's; While I did find that I had not tried their most popular beer (Mexican Cake - a 10.5% Imperial Stout), I also heard that the locals were in agreement, and that this brewery dropped out of the sky almost overnight as a birthday present from the owner's father (All speculation of course). This is another one that is consistently packed out of the door, so you'll certainly have to take my words with a grain of salt.

My Rating:

Date	Facility Rating	Location Rating	Beer Rating	Beer Notes
4/2017	5	3	5	The hype may not be fitting, but still worth keeping an eye out to try new beer their putting out

Best Beer: Probably the Mexican Cake. However, since I didn't try the Mexican Cake, I will go with the Westbrook Key Lime Pie Gose. This is right on the mark as it couldn't be named any other way. One part lime, one part sweet, and one part creaminess, this is an enjoyable and light gose that I could certainly have several of.

Two Blokes Brewing

Almost hidden in the back of a shopping center, I smelled the alluring aroma of beer brewing. Following my nose (and my phone’s GPS), I found Two Blokes Brewing Company. This hidden gem was right down my alley, with a numerous supply of good beer and a focus on the un-pretentiousness (anti-pretentiousness… non-pretentiousness…? I don’t know). One of the main differences between this new brewery, and that of Ghost Monkey, is hard to put your finger on… but you can almost taste the high level of experience in each of the brews from Two Blokes. With a numerous selection, each one seemed hand-picked for a different customer, rather than a bundle of experimental options. With a large bar and several tables, the only complaint I had was their limitation of 2 shared bathrooms which are likely to be locked and have a wait, due to their large and growing customer base.

My Rating:

Date	Facility Rating	Location Rating	Beer Rating	Beer Notes
4/2017	5	4	7	No matter  your favorite style, they probably have a good version here

Best Beer: Wicked Throat Charmer - This is a classic example of a great IPA. With Citra and Amarillo dry hopping, this beer is certainly fruit forward, and keeps the bitterness low. While most people don’t consider IPAs extremely drinkable, I would ask you to take the challenge with this one. If you don’t enjoy this beer at all, you’re probably not going to like any IPA out there.

Providence Canyon and Omaha Brewing

One weekend, it was decided that we needed to take a trip down to Omaha brewing. While it doesn't usually take much for us to get in the car and go, this was quite a ways away from the Decatur holdup, and we needed some persuasion. Looking at a map, we found that a destination, Providence Canyon, we had previously discussed was within range, along with a few additional brewpubs in Columbus. Here is the breakdown:

Providence Canyon State Park

About 45 miles directly south of Columbus Georgia, Providence Canyon (or Omaha Brewing in our case) is probably the only thing that will bring you to the area. Known as Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon," it is exactly as it sounds. Unlike the actual Grand Canyon, this state park was created by man, and the poor farming practices of the 19th century. This, and the erosion thereafter, led to extremely deep gullies, and has inadvertently established a beautiful scene worth establishing as a state park. We started by hiking the perimeter of the canyons, enjoying the views from above the sharp drop-offs. The hike was only slightly strenuous due to one sharp decline into the gully and then a sharp incline back up, and was about 2.5 - 3 miles long in total. From here we were able to see many picturesque views and enjoy the airplane-style perspectives. We then decided that watching from afar was not enough, and that we wanted to do some climbing. Entering into the canyon itself, you walk on top of a thin layer of water. The red Georgia clay is so porous that you might as well be walking on stone. Several canyons are to be found within reach, some of which help you can climb very high up for further enjoyable viewing. We climbed for a few more hours, and then the mosquitoes, humidity, and heat approaching 90 degrees,  let us know that we needed to move on and investigate the beer that Omaha had to offer.

A very enjoyable trip with lots of pictures and fun canyoning. As with most things in Georgia, the challenge will always be picking the right time to go; we visited in the morning during mid-April, and enjoyed the beautiful blooming flowers, and a few hours of low heat. We then encountered the constant buzz of countless mosquitoes and crippling humidity+heat combo. It was still worth the visit and next time we'll choose to start even earlier.

Omaha Brewing

Before you are even out of the state park, you see the Omaha Brewing Company signs leading you down the road; It's a good thing too, as you'll likely realize that you no longer have cell service and you're stuck without Waze to rely on. Luckily, we were able to follow the Omaha signs (and that we filled up on gas earlier that morning). We saw the buildings at a distance in the middle of a small field, and were shocked to find that the parking lot already had a number of visitors. As we confirmed that this was a Friday afternoon at about 1pm, we made the assumption that we would be seeing many of the same people that we had previously seen visiting the nearby state park. With only a post office and a dentist in the entire town, where else would these guest be from?

We were pleasantly surprised upon thirstily stumbling through the front doors; nice looking people happily greeted us, gave us wrist bands, and then a beer. As we took in all that was around us, we saw a large amount of space, with many tables and chairs, plenty of in door and outdoor games, and a tremendously large list of beers to try! If I was allowed to sample each of the beers they had available, I likely would have been found engaging in a conversation with the Omaha mascot: a large taxidermied alligator wearing a 3 piece suit. I'm not sure if it was the heat, something in the AC pumping through the brewery, or if the beer they had was really that good; but I certainly found myself still wanting more after the reaching my limit. From a 4% ABV berliner weisse, to an 11% barrel aged stout, Omaha was not timid at all, and certainly wasn't limiting themselves to a specific genre. All in all, the majority of the beers were excellent, especially those that leaned towards the German styles. It was then no shock, when I later discovered that the head brewer had been to brewing school at Doemens Academy in Germany.

The tour was a good one, that hit all of the major points of which your standard brewery tour usually comprises. They discussed the small town, the short history of the brewery, and the poaching of their head brewer from Red Brick's Brewery. By the time we were deciding to leave, we found the place packed with people. We stood out from the crowd with our sweat-laden hiking attire, surrounded by sun dresses and button up polo shirts. While we never found out for sure, we eventually decided that due to the lack of any other activity within dozens of miles, as a nearby local this was the place to be. After our visit, I can honestly say that I understand why.

My Rating:

Date	Facility Rating	Location Rating	Beer Rating	Beer Notes
4/2017	8	1	6.5	Lots of choices; there's a good chance you'll find one that you like

Best Beer: Nada-Banana American Weiss Beer - This is an extremely drinkable beer without any one flavor overpowering another. While distinct banana flavors are present, they seems to only accentuate the existing balance of clove and the lightly sweet and bready malt profile. Plan on having more than one.